Public safety begins at home. Each individual is responsible for his or her safety, and the well being of their family. In our day-to-day living, disasters may seem a distant possibility. Yet disaster can strike any community at any time. If you are not prepared for a disaster, it can shatter your life. Expect the unexpected and plan for it. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and after an emergency.

Emergency Preparedness is everyone’s business. That’s the reality. How do you measure up to the following?

Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to three days in the event of an emergency or disaster. There are five steps to emergency planning for your family:

Identify the risks
Prepare your emergency plan
Assemble your emergency kits
Check other emergency plans
Practise at least once a year

The Risks

To be personally prepared for an emergency you need to be aware of the possible risks and hazards in your community. Are you familiar with them? How will you find them?

Consider natural disasters such as earthquakes as well as technological failures such as power outages and deliberate acts like terrorism. You may find it helpful to prepare a list of the risks you are most likely to face and think about how they might affect your family.

Your Emergency Plan

Emergencies often strike too quickly to allow you to choose a shelter or pack an emergency kit, so prepare a list of what to do at home, school or work if a disaster strikes. Divide up tasks so that every member of your household participates as much as possible. Write down the details and make sure everybody has a copy. You will find the 5-Step Guide  useful in making your plan and preparing an emergency kit. You will find more useful information at:

www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

Your Emergency Kit

Your Emergency kit www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/kt/kt-eng.aspx can help you and your family prepare. Keep them in an easily accessible location that family members all know:

Other Emergency Plans

What other emergency plans? Your township has one. Do your children’s schools, your place of work, church, local industries?

Practice your Plan at Least Once a Year
Sounds simple but you and your family should do it. As a family you might want to review the risks to your home and surrounding area. Discuss the options for evacuating your house and area.

Since May 2003, a series of nine emergency preparedness pamphlets are available at the libraries and municipal offices. These pamphlets cover a variety of emergency situations. You may pick up free copies during regular business hours. These are also available online at www.getprepared.gc.ca/prod/ord/pub-eng.aspx

Click here to view the Family Emergency Survival Kit video (Media Player is required to execute the video)

www.emergencymanaementontario.ca/english/media2009/videos/esk english suben.html